Chinese EV brand Skywell has premiered its ‘233’ large van at the Paris Motor Show.
The OEM’s first commercial vehicle to make its global debut in Europe, the 233 is expected to make its UK debut at the 2025 CV Show next April, where the production model name and pricing will be announced.
The van will initially be available in two body lengths (5,490mm and 5,990mm) and two roof heights (2,200mm and 2,700mm), giving a load volume of approximately 9.5 to 13m3.
There will be a choice of either a 3.5-tonne or 4.25-tonne GVM variants; the latter offering a payload of up to 1,755kg.
The powertrain teams up a 204hp/150kW e-motor delivering 370Nm of torque and either 88kWh or 105kWh LFP batteries sourced from CATL. There’s no word yet on electric range.
Skywell said the van will stand out with captivating interior and exterior design features, such as curved front LED lightbars, and “generous” equipment levels. These include a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, 15.6-inch touchscreen display, wireless phone charging, wireless smartphone connectivity and keyless entry and start.
The Chinese OEM said the vehicle’s global debut in Europe signals the importance of this market to the company’s future plans. The brand, distributed in the UK by Innovation Automotive, has also unveiled its Q electric hatchback at Paris this week.
Founded in 2000 as ‘Nanjing Golden Dragon’, Skywell quickly established itself as one of China’s leading electric bus manufacturers and, in 2011, became part of the Skyworth Group which is one of the world’s largest consumer electronics companies with annual turnover of £21bn.
The firm says its unique mix of heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing and digital technology heritage is evident in the van’s strong build quality and advanced tech features.
It also promises an extensive ADAS package that includes intelligent cruise assist, autonomous emergency braking system, lane keep assist and intelligent speed assist.
